The 5 Fastest Muscle Cars

The smell of rubber burning and exhaust spewing, the scream of tires grinding against pavement and the crowd cheering on their favorite, and the heat and sweat of a summer night filled with adrenaline – that, my friend, is a drag race.

While everyone likes an exhilarating and exciting drag race, seeing no one in front of you when the checkered flag is flashed, holding the coveted trophy or just the having bragging rights shows you are the winner, you have the fastest car – everyone lusts for a taste of that! That is why I bring you the Top 5 Fastest Muscle Cars according to Muscle Car Review Magazine, ranked based on their elapsed time on a quarter-mile track.

5. 1970 Chevelle SS: This car was built with a 454 LS6 engine that pushed out 450hp. It had a 4-speed manual transmission and a more squared –up body style than many of its competitors. It was called a Super Sport for a reason because it did 13.12 seconds at 107.01 miles per hour on the ¼ track.

4. 1970 Hemi Cuda: When the Cuda received its new “E-body” style from Chrysler, which was shorter but wider than its previous body style, there became room for a 426 Hemi engine. With an upgrade to the suspension, structural reinforcement to help it transfer power to the road, and a 4-speed manual transmission, this car was born – and boy could it fly! It charged ahead of some of its competitors with 13.10 seconds at 107.12mph.

3. 1969 Road Runner: While this speedy muscle car is often confused with the 440 Six Pack Super Bee because they share the same 440CID engine (aka 440 6bbl) that boasts 3 two-barrel carburetors, the Road Runner is a special vehicle all on its own. How could someone tell them apart? The Road Runner had no wheel covers, no hubcaps, flat black H-wheels, and a black lift-off fiberglass hood with a functional scoop. It’s other unique feature was that it was winning races with its 12.91 seconds at 111.8mph on the track.

2. 1966 Corvette 427: At one period of time, this car was “the car to beat.” If you were up against this Corvette, you better hope for driver error because otherwise, you were not winning the race. This vehicle had a L72 427 engine that reported 450hp, though the number was actually much higher. It ranked at 12.8 seconds at 112mph on the ¼ track. It was lighter and the performance was easier and cheaper than any other car, until…

1. 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra: Carroll Shelby was tired of getting beat by Corvettes at the track and decided it was time to build a vehicle that bridged the gap between the lighter sports car that were popular in Europe and the heavier, but more powerful cars in America. So, he struck a deal with AC to use their chassis and a deal with Ford to use their 427 V8 engine. With a new wishbone and coil spring suspension, he came up with that light and fast car he had been dreaming of. In fact, it holds the record of fastest muscle car with 12.20 seconds at 118mph! One of these vehicles is being presented at an upcoming RM Auction and is expected to fetch anywhere from $650,000-$750,000.

While everyone likes an exhilarating and exciting drag race, seeing no one in front of you when the checkered flag is flashed, holding the coveted trophy or just the having bragging rights shows you are the winner, you have the fastest car – everyone lusts for a taste of that! While everyone likes an exhilarating and exciting drag race, seeing no one in front of you when the checkered flag is flashed, holding the coveted trophy or just the having bragging rights shows you are the winner, you have the fastest car – everyone lusts for a taste of that!